Following Another E-VERIFY Extension, Broun Introduces the IMPROVES E-VERIFY Act
Washington,
Oct 6 -
As another extension for the E-Verify program was needed just last week, Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) announced the introduction of the IMPROVES (Improving Methods to Promote Regular Occurrences of the Verification of Employability Status) E-Verify Act of 2009. The IMPROVES Act makes several needed improvements to the E-Verify program. There is no better time to strengthen the electronic employment verification system and quickly pass it into law.
“Illegal immigration continues to threaten our homeland security and economic security. Since the last several sessions of Congress failed to come to a consensus and implement a comprehensive immigration plan, we should at least take advantage of incremental reforms with proven success. Such needed reforms include finally securing our nation’s borders and improving the electronic employment verification system.
“Just last week, the E-VERIFY program needed yet another extension to remain effective. There is no better time to strengthen employment verification and finally make it permanent. In addition to making the E-VERIFY program permanent, my IMPROVES Act also makes several needed improvements to the program. Improvements like permitting the prescreening of prospective employees to let businesses confirm an individual’s work eligibility before beginning to pay or train an individual. It also allows an employer to screen current employees and provides immunity to employers who legally use the program. This will make the program more attractive by ensuring that American businesses that are using this free and voluntary program are not held liable,” said Congressman Broun.
Improvements to E-Verify in the IMPROVES Act (H.R. 3676) include:
· Makes the program permanent.
· Allows the pre-screening of prospective employees.
· Allows the screening of current employees.
· Provides immunity to employers who legally use the program.
· Denies protection for businesses that knowingly use this program fraudulently.
· Changes the Spanish language mandate.
The E-Verify (formerly known as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration. The system allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. The Basic Pilot program began in November 1997 and has been extended several times.
